Expressing concern over the unscientific rat hole mining
prevalent in Meghalaya especially in Jaintia Hills areas, Deputy Chief
Minister In-charge Mining, Bindo M. Lanong, has stated that Meghalaya
government has incorporated certain clauses in the proposed State Mining
Policy which would make it mandatory for miners to refill the land
after conducting mining operations.
“We would not allow any miners to leave the land where unscientific
rat hole mining has been carried out without refilling it. The
Government would ensure that this is being implemented in its true
spirit since it is a matter of life and death for the people residing in
those areas,” Lanong said.
He said that the Government would also encourage planting of trees in
all those areas where mining activities take place considering it the
most effective way to preserve the greenery of the mining zones.
When asked about the recent incidents in Jaintia Hills where several
cracks have appeared on the earth’s surface, Lanong said he had sought a
detailed report from the department in this regard.
“I would be able to give detailed information only after I receive
the report. But the government would not take this incident lightly,”
the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.
Unorganised rat hole mining in the coal rich belt in Jaintia Hills in
Meghalaya has remained a concern as it is posing hazard to the
environment. These sometimes turn to death traps for mining workers too.